Expansible core for use in molding hollow concrete walls



June 7, 1949. K. FARLEY 2,472,068

EXPANSIBLE CORE FOR USE IN MOLDING HOLLOW CONCRETE WALLS Filed May 22, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet l- IN V EN TOR.

June 7, 1949. I I I K. FARLEY EXPANSIBLE CORE FOR USE IN MOLDING HOLLOW CONCRETE WALLS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 22, 1946 INVENTOR.

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EXPANSIBLE CORE FOR USE IN MOLDING v HOLLOW CONCRETE WALLS Filed May 22, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet S Patented June 7,1949

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EXPANSIBLE CORE FOR USE IN MOLDING HOLLOW CONCRETE WALLS 8 Claims.

My invention relates to molding forms and especially to a collapsible type of molding form, or core, which may be used in connection with the construction of cement or other similar selfsetting walls; the wall itself being preferably cast and confined between forms made up of lumber or other similar material, while the cores are positioned therein prior to the pouring of the cement or concrete.

A further object of my invention is to provide a form which can be quickly and easily expanded or contracted and which is made up of comparatively light elemental sections, yet amply strong to Withstand the strain of the heavy work for which it is to be used.

A further object is to construct a molding form, or core, from relatively few and simple elemental parts, the various parts being so interconnected that the entire core remains intact as a unitary structure, and can be readily expanded and contracted.

A further object of my invention is to provide a core, or molding form, of the afore-mentioned character which when expanded assumes a continuous perimetral line which is responsible for the production of a smooth, uniform opening throughout.

A further object of my invention is to provide a molding form, or core, of the afore-mentioned character which is manipulated by a handle structure for eifectuating the collapsing or expansion thereof, by the mere rotation of the said manipulating handle throughan arcuate movement of approximately 90.

With the above objects in View, the invention consists of the arrangement and construction of parts hereinafter more particularly described as well as their relationship and assemblage being indicated, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my invention showing the same in collapsed or in contracted position preparatory to withdrawing the same from a wall structure, in which it had been originally positioned.

Figure 2 is an enlarged top view of my invention showing the same in expanded position preparatory to pouring the cementitious composition, or concrete, for forming a cored wall structure.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the core or molding form in collapsed position, preparatory to withdrawal from the'opening formed thereby in a wall structure.

Figure 4 is a top view of a type of wall having recesses, or cores, or pockets, therein made by the molding form constituting my invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken, substantially, on the line 5-5 of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken, substantially, on the line 6--6 of Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken, substantially, on the line 'l-'i of Figure 2.

Referring to the various figures, my invention is generally designated 8, and consists of the sides, or side plates, i 3 which are of suitable straight formation throughout, yet have their edges arcuately shaped as indicated at l4, presenting edges which will function and cooperate in nesting relationship with the indentations l6 provided in the arcuate end elements l5, so that when the molding form is expanded the edges of the plates is will form a continuous nesting arrangement with the indentations I6 of the curved end plates it as illustrated in Figure 2.

The purpose of these molding forms or cores 8 is to prevent concrete from filling the perimetral space occupied thereby, thus leaving openings ii in a concrete wall 9. The said wall is usually poured from concrete after proper admixture thereof, and confined by wall formations l0 and Il usually made up of boards, lumber, or other suitable material which can be readily dismantled after the wall has set and hardened.

The mechanism for effectuating the collapsing and expansion of the core generally designated 8 consists in a shaft i9. and a mating shaft 19 therebelow, one being located at the top and one at the bottom of the molding form. At the termini of each shaft unit I9, I provide the cam slots 22 which are engaged by the screw means 20, having the reduced shanks 2i, the said screws being secured to the hub is, permitting the said shanks 25 to function within the cam grooves 22 when the shafts is are rotated toward the observer (looking at Figure 1), and when rotated away from the observer will actuate the end sections :5 outwardly, thus expanding the core or molding form. Hence, when the handle is operated toward the observer an arcuate distance of or in an upward direction, to bring it to erect, or perpendicular position, the molding form is collapsed as shown in Figure 1. The hubs l8 emanate from the reinforcement plates l7 secured within the arcuate sections l5, and are equipped with bores 23 which house the termini of the shafts l9.

On the shaft is, I also secure discs 32 which are provided with arcuately formed companion cam slots 33, which are engaged by the rollers 43, se-

cured in place by the studs 42 fastened in the lugs 30 of the bearings 29, the bearings being in turn secured to the end plates I 3. The actuation, or rotation, of the plates 32 occurs simultaneously with the rotation of the shafts l9 inasmuch as the said discs are secured to the shafts by pins or other similar fastenings 44. The studs 3| are riveted to form heads 42 and may have tubular rollers 43 mounted thereon to facilitate operation. The handle ,311 has anarcuate. top portion, and the perpendicular extensions thereof are slightly arched as indicated at 38, in order to furnish clearance for the upper edges ,of the side plates Permitting the handle 3l'to-"bemotivated'tor rotated, through an arcuate distance of '90 degrees, providing clearance for the top .ed es'io the plates 13. The handle 31 isprovidedwith two hubs 39, so that the same may-be securedto the shaft l9 by means of pins or other similanfastenings, such as set screws, or any other suitable fastening may be employed. In .ordertoiobtain a neat an'd'fr'ee actionof .the ,plates'l3iinwardly, and outwardly, aswelliasof the end elements l inwardly and V outwardly,. the second shaft 119 ,is located, substantially, near the bottompf the structure, andis a companionnarrangement, ..or combination of elements similar ,to. that shown up at the top,.' the twobein'g interconnected to operate in unison by means of the sprockets. 25 being interconnected by the chain 26,,th11s, a relatively free expansion and 'coll apsin movementis efiectuated for the ,core,or moldingform The sprockets are equipped with .hubs 21 .Whichare attached to the shafts I9v by, means of pins;.28.

The entire unit is reinforced by the-spider structure 34, 35 having bearing extension .136, two of which are securedtotheupper shaft 19, and two of which, are securedt'o the lower shaft, thus lending rigidityto .themechanism internally of the core moldingform, so thatlwhen'thei two shafts are actuated in unison .as heretofore mentioned, n0 undue strain will hamperthefree movement of the plates 1 3, inwardlyan'doutward- 1y, nor of the end sections]! 5.

It is to be notedthatanimportantfeature of my invention is the provisiononthesideplates l of arcuately and; inwardly formed portions t4, the edges of which nestwithinthe indentations [6 which are .of aldepth not to exceedthethicknessof the platesv I3, sothat. a,continuous .perimetral oval shape willresult when the same is expanded. The plates 13 are also. reinforcedv by suitable angleor channel iron structure Mend 4| in order to strengthen the same. to withstand the pressure durin .:the;p 1ring.0f the: concrete. It is to be noted,'.that the horizontal reinforcement 40 also acts as a stollor. abutment. limiting the movement of the endsections 15 as evidenced b reference to thejdrawings or Figurez andFigure 3.

In pouring a concrete .walltheoperationis rather simple. The wall thickness is usually formed by the demarcation and'thedistance between the temporary pouring walls) and II. The cores therein will usuallyresult from the placement of a numberof molding forms: 8,,preferably, in the staggered relationship indicated in Figure 4, so as not to interfere withthestrength of the wall section. .The. coreforms, .or. molding forms, are handled by. securingacrane, or other lif in or lowering 'instru-mentality, securin hooks'thereof to the supportsl24, thusiloweri'n the cores in betweenthe walls |0--,and..II, approximately in the position ..show.n..in Figure 4,

and in, the expanded.- formation, indicated in Eigi l position. In this way a smooth pocket or core [2 will be formed within the walls as illustrated in-FigureA 'All the-forms are thus removed, and when the =wall--has .sufiiciently set to stand up and be rigid,

then the wall formations l0 and II are removed and theoperation repeated for the remaining walls,:;or-:it may be that a. series of walls may be poured simultaneously, (depending on the location, shape and-manner inwhichthe confining walls L0 and, I l arepositioned. suitable. cores .1 2 being formed .Withinthese walls simultaneously, if. .a sufficient. number. .of cores, .are placedtherein. in staggered position as, indicated in. FigureA. Thus, it can beseenthat the movement of the handle "31 a .distance ,of ,will. simultaneously actuate the end .platesa certain distance inwardly or outwardly depending on the direction of movement, ,and simultaneously .=wi1l reffectuate a, movementof the plates |3- toward, or away from one another.

The camgroovesli' ,maybe. SodiSDOSed-and timed with reference to thecamgrooves.33 .that there will be a tendency to move the end sections l 5 inwardly a slight distance ebefor e .actuation of the side ,plates.l3..actually takes place. {In other words, the movement inwardly .cf the side plates .l3 wilLbe slightly delayed, inorder -..to assurea .smooth. operation, and conversely-when the end sections l5 have completed theirttravel theside ,plates .13 .will be caused to. have their edges .engaged firmly in the longitudinal indentations' l 6 thus locking securelythe entire-molding form in orderto permitv the formation .ofra smooth linedpocketfreeofirregularity.

I believe, I have herein described, rather succinctlyr the constructioneand operation of my invention, .and inasmuch-as the sameisxsuscetitible of emodlfications alterations and improvements, I hereby reserve the right to all modifications, alterations and improvements coming withi -th scope. and spirit ,of ,my invention, as- .wellaasgany improvements that areaembraced inrthe accompanying drawings-and anytthat may fall within the purview of the foregoin description.

Having ,thusdescribed and disclosed my rinvention, what, I claimaas-novel and desirez-tozsecure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a molding form .of-the. character zdescribed includingside plates: and end-sections; expanding and contracting means. comprising. .cam shafts provided with 'cam-r-grooves .and-rotatably secured to, hubs or the saidzendrseetionsashoulder screws secured to the said hubs their.;extensions;.enga ing the said camgrooves in the saidcamrshaf-ts, cam. discs securedto the said cam-shafts, roller brackets secured to the said -side:;p1ates 3.1161581! gaging thesaid cam. discs," transmission means interconnecting the said cam shafts, and rotatable manipulative 211168.!)SF58QU1QC1Q to one: of :the saideamshafts.

.2. In a molding form of the character flescribed including side plates ,andend-sections, expanding andecontnacting,meanscomprisins,

provided with cam grooves and rotatably secured to hubs of the said end sections, shoulder screws secured to the said hubs their extensions enga ing the said cam grooves in the said cam shafts, cam discs secured to the said cam shafts, roller brackets secured to the said side plates and engaging the said cam discs, transmission means interconnecting the said cam shafts, and rotatable manipulative means secured to one of the said cam shafts, the said manipulative means operative within an orbit of 90 to effectuate contraction and expansion of the said molding form.

3. In a molding form of the character described including side plates and end sections, expanding and contracting means comprising, cam shafts provided with cam grooves and rotatably secured to hubs of the said end sections, shoulder screws secured to the said hubs their extensions engaging the said cam grooves in the said cam shafts, cam discs secured to the said cam shafts, roller brackets secured to the said side plates and engaging the said cam discs, transmission means interconnecting the said cam shafts, and rotatable manipulative means secured to one of the said cam shafts, the said manipulative means operative within an orbit of 90 to effectuate contraction and expansion of the said molding form, the said manipulative means provided with bowed out portions to clear the upper edges of the said side plates.

4. A molding form comprising, two side plates having arcuately shaped longitudinal edges formed inwardly, a pair of arcuately-formed end sections provided with longitudinal indentations near the edges thereof, the said longitudinal edges adapted to engage the said longitudinal indentations providing a continuous perimetral configuration when the said molding form is in extended position, expanding and contracting means secured internally at the top and bottom of said molding form adapted to expand and contract the said side plates and end sections, and rotatable manipulative means secured to the said expanding and contracting means, the said expanding and contracting means comprising, cam shafts provided with cam grooves and rotatably secured to hubs of the said end sections, shoulder screws secured to the said hubs their extensions engaging the said cam grooves in the said cam shafts, cam discs secured to the said cam shafts, roller brackets secured to the said side plates and engaging the said cam discs, transmission means interconnecting the said cam shafts, and rotatable manipulative means secured to one of the said cam shafts. I

5. A molding form comprising, two side plates having arcuately shaped longitudinal edges formed inwardly, a pair of arcuately-formed end sections provided with longitudinal indentations near the edges thereof, the said longitudinal edges adapted to engage the said longitudinal indentations providing a continuous perimetral configuration when the said molding form is in extended position, expanding and contracting means secured internally at the top and bottom of said molding form adapted to expand and contract the said side plates and end sections, and abutment means secured adjacent the top and bottom of the said side plates to arrest the edges of the said end sections during the inward movement thereof, the said expanding and contracting means comprising, cam shafts provided with cam grooves and rotatably secured to hubs of the said end sections, shoulder screws secured to the said hubs their extensions engaging the said cam grooves in the said cam shafts, cam discs secured to the said cam shafts, roller brackets secured to the said side plates and engaging the said cam discs, transmission means interconnecting the said cam shafts, and rotatable manipulative means secured to one of the said cam shafts.

6. A molding form comprising, two side plates having arcuately shaped longitudinal edges formed inwardly, a pair of arcuately-formed end sections provided with longitudinal indentations near the edges thereof, the said longitudinal edges adapted to engage the said longitudinal indentations providing a continuous perimetral configuration when the said molding form is in extended position, expanding and contracting means secured internally at the top and bottom of said molding form adapted to expand and contract the said side plates and end sections, the said expanding and contracting means comprising, cam shafts provided with cam grooves and rotatably secured to hubs of the said end sections, shoulder screws secured to the said hubs their extensions engaging the said cam grooves in the said cam shafts, cam discs secured to the said cam shafts, roller brackets secured to the said side plates and engaging the said cam discs, transmission means interconnecting the said cam shafts, rotatable manipulative means secured to one of the said cam shafts and supports secured to the said end sections for handling the said molding form in expanded formation.

'7. A molding form comprising, two side plates having arcuately' shaped longitudinal edges formed inwardly, a pair of arcuately-formed end sections provided with longitudinal indentations near the edges thereof, the said longitudinal edges adapted to engage the said longitudinal indentations providing a continuous perimetral configuration when the said molding form is in extended position, expanding and contracting means secured internally at the top and bottom of said molding form adapted to expand and contract the said side plates and end sections, and abutment means secured adjacent the top and bottom of the said side plates to arrest the edges of the said end sections during the inward movement thereof, the said expanding and contracting means comprising, cam shafts provided with cam grooves and rotatably secured to hubs of the said end sections, shoulder screws secured to the said hubs their extensions engaging the said cam grooves in the said cam shafts, cam discs secured to the said cam shafts, roller brackets secured to the said side plates and engaging the said cam discs, transmission means interconnecting the said cam shafts, and rotatable manipulative means secured to one of the said cam shafts, and supports secured to the said end sections for handling the said molding form in expanded formation.

8. A molding form comprising, two side plates having arcuately shaped longitudinal edges formed inwardly, a pair of arcuately-formed end sections provided with longitudinal indentations near the edges thereof, the said longitudinal edges adapted to engage the said longitudinal indentations provided a continuous perimetral configuration when the said molding form is in extended position, expanding and contracting means secured internally at the top and bottom of said molding form adapted to expand and contract the said side plates and end sections, and abutment means secured adjacent the top sagas and bottom of'tli'e said side plates-"toartestthe edges of the said' endsection's during the ifiward' movement thereof, the said expanding'and contracting means comprising, caz'rr shafts'provided with'cam grooves and-rotatab1ysecuredto hubs of the said end sections,- shoulder'screws seemed to' the said hubs their extensions engaging the said cam grooves in the said ca n shafts; cam discs secured to the said cam'sh'aits, roller'brackshaits, and supports secured to the said endsec' tions for handling'the' said molding form inex=- 15 2,138,693

bei'zig rotatable initially through an' angle of; 90

prior'toactual iaisiiig' of the said moldingfform" assuring complete contraction to facilitate re moval of thesaid'moldiug toyn f rom more. V KATHRYN FARLEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following reiefenc'es are ofrecord'm the file of this patent'z" UNITED STATES PATENTS 

